Middle East visit: President D. Trump's most bizarre moments

(Baonghean.vn)- During his nine-day trip to five Middle Eastern countries, it is no surprise that US President Donald Trump was 'exhausted'. In addition, the US leader also had to go through some rather ridiculous moments, such as participating in a sword dance, bowing to the King and giving an 'unconvincing' speech.

In the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, where President Trump was received with great respect. However, things became strange when the US leader made some gaffes that attracted the attention of social networks.

“Bowing” to the King of Saudi Arabia

President Trump receives the highest civilian honor from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in the capital Riyadh. Photo: AFP

The first awkward moment was when Mr Trump accepted a precious gift from King Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Salman on May 20. Upon receiving the gift, the US President appeared to bow his head.

The move sparked a heated Twitter exchange between supporters and opponents, with critics quick to point out how harshly Trump had criticized former President Barack Obama for bowing to King Abdullah in 2009.

Others said Mr Trump’s actions showed the US leader “kowtowing” to the Saudi king, while his supporters said he was simply bowing so the Saudi king could place the medal around his neck.

President Trump's Sword Dance

President Trump and the Saudi King dance with swords during a welcoming ceremony at Murabba Palace in Riyadh. Photo: AFP.

The US leader joined White House officials in a sword dance in Saudi Arabia outside the Murabba Palace on May 20. Video showed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross dancing with swords on their shoulders. President Trump, surrounded by Saudi officials, danced the bibop with a smile on his face. Meanwhile, Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Economic Adviser Gary Cohn had more awkward moves.

President Trump's "unconvincing" speech

President Trump prepares to deliver a speech at the Arab-Islamic American Summit at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Saudi Arabia on May 21, 2017. Photo: AP.

The highlight of his two-day trip to Saudi Arabia will be a speech by President Trump to the leaders of 55 Muslim-majority countries. The US president described the fight against extremism as “a battle between good and evil” and urged Arab leaders to “drive terrorists from places of worship.”

This was considered a “ridiculous” speech. During last year’s election campaign, President Trump believed that “the Muslim world hates us.” And just a week after taking office, Mr. Trump signed an executive order banning immigrants from seven countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen — from entering the United States, a decision that caused fierce controversy. Yet on May 21, standing before dozens of regional leaders, President Trump affirmed that Islam is “one of the great faiths of the world.” Immediately, the speech was met with skepticism and anger in the Muslim world. Some experts in the Middle East said that Mr. Trump’s sudden change of tone was “unconvincing.”

President Trump is “easily tired”

The US President only used the phrase "Islamism", not the word "radical Islamism".

While running for the White House, President Trump criticized his predecessor Obama for not using the phrase “radical Islamism.” However, in his speech to leaders of Muslim countries, Mr. Trump used softer words, such as “Islamism.” Explaining this, White House officials said he was “tired.” Mr. Trump also did not mention the travel ban on citizens of Muslim-majority countries to the United States.

“Guys, look at the shoes.”

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Before his speech, President Trump had separate meetings with leaders of several countries, including Egypt and Qatar.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi invited Mr. Trump to visit Egypt. The Egyptian leader affirmed: “You are a unique personality, you can do impossible things.” Mr. Trump agreed to this proposal, and praised the Egyptian President’s shoes: “I like the shoes you are wearing. Guys, look at these shoes.”

It is unclear what brand the Egyptian President was wearing. The black shoes were similar to Mr Trump's, but were shinier.

Lan Ha

(According to News.com.au)